Effects of Lidocaine on Contrast Medium Induced Ventricular Fibrillation in the Isolated Rabbit Heart

Rabbit hearts were isolated and perfused with Krebs' solution according to the Langendorff technique. In the perfusion catheter contrast agent, i.e., pure meglumine diatrizoate, was injected causing ventricular fibrillation. Lidocaine injected before or together with the meglumine salt prevented or shortened the fibrillation period. Lidocaine injected alone caused decreased left ventricular force and a reduction of the heart rate. Contrast media-induced ventricular fibrillation is a complication of coronary angiographies. The fibrillation- preventing effect of lidocaine is suggested for further studies.